As electoral votes piled up for Donald Trump in the presidential election against Vice President Kamala Harris, Jon Stewart was just starting his terrible, horrible, no good, very bad election day special on The Daily Show. And then it got worse.
Stewart announced early in the show that Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), who had been scheduled to join him virtually at the news desk, had canceled “30 seconds” before his airtime.
But Katie Hobbs, the Democratic governor of battleground state Arizona, did show up via video call. She was all smiles and said she didn’t expect the final tally of the state’s votes on Tuesday.
Stewart jokingly said that Hobbs was one of his new best friends. He later said the same about his next guest, Garlin Gilchrist II, the upbeat lieutenant governor of another battleground state, Michigan. Gilchrist, a Democrat, suggested early on in his appearance by video that Stewart relax.
“Let’s take a deep breath,” Gilchrist advised.
At the end of The Daily Show Presents A Live Election Night Special With Jon Stewart: Indecision 2024: Nothing We Can Do About It Now, which aired live across Paramount’s networks, Stewart offered a few words of hope in the election, which, at the time, appeared to be leaning in the former president’s direction with more results to come.
“Here’s what we know: Is that we don’t really know anything, and that we’re going to come out of this election, and we’re going to make all kinds of pronouncements about what this country is and what this world is, and the truth is we’re not really going to know s—,” Stewart said in his Election Night Takeaway.
Stewart then also played a reel of past years’ election pundits who made false predictions and spoke of “lessons” that have been largely ignored.
“My point is this: f—!” he said. “But this isn’t the end, I promise you. This is not the end. And we have to regroup, and we have to continue to fight and continue to work day in and day out to create the better society — for our children, for this world, for this country — that we know is possible. It’s possible.”
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Section 1: The Unfolding Drama on The Daily Show
As the presidential election results were coming in, Jon Stewart’s election day special on The Daily Show took a turn for the worse. Sen. John Fetterman’s last-minute cancellation and the uncertainty of the battleground states set the stage for a tense and unpredictable evening.
Subsection 1: Fetterman’s Absence
Stewart revealed that Sen. John Fetterman had backed out of his scheduled appearance just moments before going on air, leaving a gap in the planned lineup and adding to the chaos of the night.
Subsection 2: Guest Appearances
Despite the setbacks, Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs of Arizona and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II of Michigan joined Stewart via video call, bringing some much-needed positivity to the show. Their insights and presence offered a glimpse of hope amidst the unfolding uncertainty.
Section 2: Finding Silver Linings
Amidst the tension and unpredictability of the election night special, Jon Stewart managed to infuse moments of optimism and humor into the broadcast. His reflections on the state of the election and the need for perseverance resonated with viewers facing an uncertain political landscape.
Subsection 1: Words of Encouragement
In his closing remarks, Stewart emphasized the importance of resilience and unity in the face of political challenges. Despite the uncertainty of the election results, he urged viewers to stay engaged and committed to creating a better future for all.
Subsection 2: Lessons Learned
By showcasing past election pundits’ inaccurate predictions, Stewart highlighted the importance of learning from past mistakes and moving forward with a sense of humility and determination. The show’s message of resilience and hope struck a chord with audiences navigating a divided political climate.
Conclusion
Jon Stewart’s election night special on The Daily Show captured the uncertainty and tension of a pivotal moment in American politics. Through humor, insight, and moments of reflection, Stewart guided viewers through a turbulent evening, offering a message of hope and resilience in the face of political challenges.
FAQs
What was the highlight of Jon Stewart’s election night special?
Despite the setbacks and uncertainties, Governor Katie Hobbs and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II’s appearances brought a sense of positivity and camaraderie to the show, resonating with viewers seeking hope in a tense political climate.
What message did Jon Stewart convey in his closing remarks?
Stewart emphasized the need for resilience, unity, and continued engagement in creating a better future for all, encouraging viewers to stay committed to positive change despite the challenges ahead.
Credit: ew.com